부족 — meaning in English: lack

bujog · Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for shortage

업계

eobgye

의심

uisim

부족

bujog

판매자

panmaeja

차트

chateu

Skip this question

🎓

Learn Korean for free

Quizzes, examples, audio & daily challenges. No password needed — just your email.

Start learning →

Already have an account? Log in

neutral common

Usage

Native speakers often use the word 부족 in contexts related to resources or needs, such as discussing a shortage of food during a family gathering or expressing a lack of time to complete a project at work. You'll hear it in both casual conversations and more serious discussions about societal issues.

Synonyms & nuances

A close synonym of 부족 is 결핍 (gyeolpip), which also means 'lack' or 'deficiency,' but 결핍 is often used in more technical or formal contexts, such as medical discussions. In contrast, 부족 is more versatile and can be used in everyday conversations.

Culture

The word 부족 comes from the Sino-Korean roots, where '부' means 'not' or 'negative,' and '족' means 'sufficient' or 'adequate.' This reflects a cultural awareness in Korea about resource management, stemming from historical events where scarcity played a significant role in shaping societal norms and behaviors.

FAQ

Q.What does 부족 mean in English?

부족 translates to 'lack' in English, indicating an insufficiency of something, like resources, time, or skills.

Q.How can I use 부족 in a sentence?

You can use 부족 in sentences such as '시간이 부족해요,' which means 'I lack time' or 'There is not enough time.'

Q.Are there any common mistakes with using 부족?

One common mistake is using 부족 when you mean to express a moderate shortage. Instead, consider using 약간 부족 to convey 'somewhat lacking' or 'slightly insufficient' for a more precise meaning.

Learn korean with Maspeak →

Korean 2000